Rhodes Island Command Center, 4:00 AM
The command center had been hastily transformed into a war room, holographic displays showing Lungmen's complete layout while operators filed in with the grim awareness that emergency meetings at four in the morning never brought good news. The Doctor stood at the central display, their hooded figure radiating the controlled tension of someone who had spent the last three hours processing catastrophic intelligence.
Kal'tsit occupied her usual position to the Doctor's left, tablet in hand, her expression carrying clinical focus that masked whatever emotions she felt about the situation. Operators continued entering, some still adjusting their equipment or rubbing sleep from their eyes, but all snapping to alert attention once they registered the atmosphere.
Surtr leaned against the wall near the back, flames flickering along her staff despite the early hour. Her expression mixed interest with her characteristic arrogance, clearly curious what could warrant disrupting her sleep schedule. Schwarz took position at one of the sit beside Ceylon, already cataloging sight lines and positioning herself for optimal observation. Nearl stood with knight's bearing, her presence radiating calm authority that helped settle the room's nervous energy.
More operators filled the available space. Silence, Projekt Red, Warfarin, Ptilopsis, Meteorite, each representing Rhodes Island's elite combat capabilities and alliance throughout Terra that are available right now in Lungmen. The mid tier operators clustered in groups, experienced enough to recognize the significance of this assembly but junior enough to feel uncertain about their role.
The door opened again and Ch'en entered with Hoshiguma following close behind, both LGD officers carrying themselves with the professional wariness of people entering technically allied but politically complicated territory. Ch'en's dragon features were distinctive even in the crowded room, and her expression suggested she had been briefed on the general situation but lacked specific details.
"Chief Ch'en, Inspector Hoshiguma, thank you for coming on such short notice."
The Doctor's greeting was professionally warm despite the circumstances.
"Please, join us. The intelligence we've gathered affects LGD operations as much as Rhodes Island's."
Ch'en moved to stand near the holographic display, her sharp eyes immediately analyzing the tactical information visible.
"Your message said this was about Reunion's catastrophic event. You've identified what they're planning?"
"Yes. And it's worse than we initially projected."
The Doctor activated additional displays, showing data compilations and threat assessments that painted an increasingly grim picture.
"As you all know, we've been investigating Reunion activity in Lungmen for the past six weeks. Yesterday evening, one of our operators successfully identified the catastrophic threat we've been searching for."
They pulled up images of Mephisto and Faust, the photographs grainy from surveillance equipment but clear enough to show their features.
"These two are Mephisto and Faust, Reunion operatives specializing in biological warfare. Specifically, Mephisto possesses Arts that allow him to transform people into what Reunion calls Possessed. Mindless combat thralls that attack designated targets with complete disregard for their own survival."
Murmurs rippled through the assembled operators. Some recognized the names from intelligence reports, others were hearing about Mephisto's capabilities for the first time.
The Doctor continued, their tone remaining steady despite the horrifying nature of what they were describing.
"Our intelligence indicates that Mephisto has been operating in Lungmen for at least six weeks, possibly longer. During that time, he's been creating Possessed and hiding them throughout the city's civilian districts. When Reunion's assault begins, he plans to activate these Possessed simultaneously."
They highlighted specific districts on the holographic map.
"System projections estimate approximately fifty thousand casualties if the Possessed are successfully deployed. That's not counting deaths from the conventional assault, just from Lungmen's own civilian population being transformed into weapons and turned against each other."
The silence that followed was absolute. Fifty thousand casualties was a number that transcended tactical considerations and entered the realm of humanitarian catastrophe. Even the most experienced operators looked shaken, the scale of potential death overwhelming normal military frameworks.
Ch'en broke the silence, her voice carrying controlled fury.
"Fifty thousand. That's genocide disguised as military operation. Even for Reunion, that level of civilian targeting is unconscionable."
"Agreed completely. Which is why our operational focus is shifting from defensive preparation to active prevention."
The Doctor pulled up new tactical displays showing search patterns and investigation protocols.
"We have forty four days until Reunion's assault. During that time, we need to accomplish three primary objectives. First, locate where Mephisto is hiding the Possessed. Second, neutralize or eliminate the Possessed before they can be activated. Third, apprehend or eliminate Mephisto and Faust to prevent them from creating additional threats."
Kal'tsit stepped forward, her clinical expertise adding weight to the operational planning.
"The Possessed can be identified through several markers. Altered behavior patterns, physical deterioration consistent with Arts based mental control, and specific biological signatures we can detect with proper medical scanning equipment. However, identifying them individually in a city of two million people presents logistical challenges."
"Which is why we're implementing systematic sweeps rather than random searches."
The Doctor highlighted districts on the map.
"We'll divide Lungmen into sectors and assign teams to each one. The teams will conduct what we're calling cleaning operations, methodically investigating areas for signs of Possessed presence while maintaining cover as normal Rhodes Island activities. Medical outreach, infrastructure assessment, anything that gives us legitimate reason to be in civilian districts without raising suspicion."
Silence raised her hand, the soft spoken operator's voice barely audible in the large room.
"What about the Possessed themselves? If we locate them, what's the elimination protocol? These are civilians who've been forcibly transformed, not voluntary combatants."
The question created uncomfortable tension. Everyone understood the moral implications, the difference between fighting soldiers who chose their path and killing victims of biological warfare who had no agency in their current state.
The Doctor's response was measured, acknowledging the difficulty while maintaining operational necessity.
"Ideally, we'd develop a method to reverse Mephisto's Arts and restore the Possessed to normal. Kal'tsit's medical team is researching that possibility. However, if we can't find a cure in time, elimination becomes necessary to prevent the mass casualties their deployment would cause."
They looked around the room, meeting the eyes of operators who would be tasked with this grim work.
"I know that's not the answer anyone wants to hear. Killing victims instead of perpetrators violates everything Rhodes Island stands for. But allowing fifty thousand people to die because we're unwilling to make hard choices also violates our principles. Sometimes there are no good options, only less terrible ones."
Nearl spoke up, her knight's perspective adding moral weight.
"If we must eliminate the Possessed, we do so with the understanding that we're preventing greater tragedy. Not celebration, not satisfaction in completing mission objectives, but somber recognition of necessity. These were people with lives and families and futures. We honor their memory by ensuring their transformation into weapons doesn't succeed."
Several operators nodded agreement, the framing helping them process what they were being asked to do.
Ch'en had been studying the tactical displays while the discussion continued, her strategic mind processing the operational complexity.
"You're asking LGD to coordinate with these cleaning operations. Provide authorization for Rhodes Island personnel to conduct searches in districts we normally restrict external operators from accessing."
"Yes. We can accomplish more with LGD cooperation than operating independently. Your forces know Lungmen's layout better, have established relationships with district administrators, and can provide cover that makes our searches appear legitimate rather than suspicious."
"And in exchange, Rhodes Island provides the medical expertise and specialized capabilities needed to identify and eliminate the Possessed."
Ch'en was quiet for a moment, clearly weighing political complications against operational necessity.
"I'll authorize the cooperation. But with conditions. First, all Rhodes Island teams operating in civilian districts report their activities to designated LGD liaisons. Second, any Possessed elimination requires confirmation from both Rhodes Island medical assessment and LGD verification. Third, if we develop a method to cure rather than kill, that becomes the primary response regardless of time constraints."
"Those conditions are acceptable."
The Doctor agreed immediately.
"We want LGD oversight. This operation is too important and too morally fraught to conduct without accountability."
Hoshiguma leaned forward, her massive frame making the gesture particularly noticeable.
"What about Mephisto and Faust directly? You mentioned apprehension or elimination as an objective. What's LGD's role in that operation?"
"We're proposing that LGD leads that particular operation."
The Doctor pulled up tactical analysis of Mephisto's capabilities and known patterns.
"Mephisto is a high value target whose apprehension would significantly disrupt Reunion's plans. However, he's also extremely dangerous, capable of creating Possessed in real time during combat. The operation to capture or kill him needs overwhelming force deployed rapidly."
Ch'en's expression showed interest mixed with calculation.
"You want LGD to handle the direct assault while Rhodes Island provides support and containment."
"Exactly. Your forces are better equipped for urban assault operations, you have legal authority that Rhodes Island lacks, and frankly you have resources we can't match for deploying heavy firepower in populated areas."
The Dragon Guard considered the proposal, her tactical assessment visible in how she studied the displays.
"If we locate Mephisto, LGD will lead the operation to neutralize him. I'll command the assault personally to ensure it's executed with appropriate precision."
She looked at the Doctor directly.
"But I want Rhodes Island operators embedded with my teams. Your people have more experience fighting Reunion leadership figures, and that expertise could be the difference between success and catastrophic failure."
"Agreed. We'll provide specialized support while LGD maintains operational command."
The Doctor pulled up timeline projections.
"Based on the search patterns we're planning, we estimate two to three weeks to conduct initial sweeps of priority districts. If we locate Mephisto during that time, we move to assault operations immediately. If not, we continue systematic searches until either we find him or the assault timeline forces us to shift back to defensive posture."
They highlighted specific areas on the map.
"Ch'en, when you're ready to begin operations against Mephisto, we recommend starting with night operations. Reunion operatives have demonstrated preference for darkness, using it to conceal movements and avoid surveillance. Mephisto and Faust likely follow similar patterns."
"Night operations are more complex but offer advantages if the targets are nocturnal."
Ch'en acknowledged.
"I'll coordinate with my tactical teams and establish patrol schedules optimized for evening and early morning sweeps."
The Doctor turned their attention to the assembled Rhodes Island operators.
"Cleaning operations begin today. Each of you will receive specific sector assignments and search protocols. Elite operators will generally work solo, using your capabilities and experience to cover more ground efficiently. Mid and lower tier operators will work in pairs or groups of three, providing mutual support and maintaining communication in case you encounter threats."
Kal'tsit pulled up the detailed assignment roster.
"Surtr, you're assigned to the industrial sectors. Your capabilities allow you to operate in areas where Possessed might be hidden in abandoned facilities without risking civilian exposure to your Arts."
Surtr nodded, apparently satisfied with the assignment.
"Schwarz, waterfront districts. Your precision and ranged capabilities make you ideal for areas with complex sight lines and potential escape routes."
"Understood."
"Nearl, residential zones in the eastern districts. Your presence provides reassurance to civilians while you conduct searches, and your combat capabilities handle most threats you're likely to encounter."
The roster continued, each operator receiving assignments tailored to their capabilities and the specific challenges of their designated sectors. The mid tier operators were paired strategically, combining complementary skills to maximize effectiveness.
Projekt Red raised her hand, the usually quiet operator's voice carrying unusual intensity.
"What about Crownslayer? Intelligence reports placed her in Chernobog. If Reunion's preparing coordinated operations, shouldn't we be concerned about what she's doing there?"
"Amiya is handling that situation."
The Doctor replied, their tone carrying confidence despite the concern underneath.
"She's deployed to Chernobog with Blaze and Reserve A4 team, pursuing Crownslayer and gathering intelligence about Reunion's activities there. Last communication indicated the operation was proceeding according to plan."
"Amiya's still relatively inexperienced for pursuing Reunion leadership figures."
Projekt Red's concern was evident.
"Shouldn't we send additional support?"
"Blaze is one of our most capable operators, and Reserve A4 provides tactical flexibility that compensates for Amiya's limited combat experience. More importantly, Amiya needs opportunities to develop her skills in actual operations rather than controlled training scenarios."
The Doctor's tone became more firm.
"I understand the instinct to protect her, but overprotection prevents growth. She's adequately supported while still being challenged. That's the optimal condition for developing capable operators."
Kal'tsit added her perspective, the clinical assessment carrying weight that emotional arguments couldn't match.
"Amiya's empathic abilities make her uniquely suited for operations involving Reunion personnel. She can detect deception, sense emotional states, and predict behavior patterns that other operators would miss. Those capabilities make her valuable for intelligence gathering even if her combat skills are still developing."
The explanation seemed to satisfy Projekt Red, though her concern didn't entirely disappear.
The Doctor continued the briefing, covering communication protocols, emergency extraction procedures, and rules of engagement for various scenarios. The level of detail was exhaustive, ensuring every operator understood exactly what was expected and how to respond to complications.
Nearly an hour passed before the briefing concluded, the assembled operators receiving their final instructions and preparing to disperse.
"This operation represents Rhodes Island's largest coordinated effort in Lungmen."
The Doctor said, their voice carrying across the room.
"The stakes are higher than anything we've attempted before. Fifty thousand lives depend on our success in locating and neutralizing Mephisto's Possessed before they can be deployed."
They paused, letting the weight of that responsibility settle.
"I know I'm asking you to do difficult things. Search civilian areas for victims of biological warfare. Potentially eliminate those victims if we can't cure them. Coordinate with LGD despite the political complications that creates. Operate under time pressure that doesn't allow for perfect solutions."
"But if we succeed, we prevent catastrophe on a scale that would haunt Terra for generations. We save fifty thousand people who would otherwise die in violence they didn't choose and couldn't escape. That's worth the difficulty, worth the moral complexity, worth the personal cost."
The room remained silent, operators processing the weight of what they were being asked to bear.
"Dismissed. Begin preparations for your assigned operations. First teams deploy at oh eight hundred hours. Coordination briefings for team leads at oh seven hundred. Any questions or concerns, bring them to Kal'tsit or myself immediately."
The operators began filing out, some moving with grim determination while others showed visible anxiety about the operations ahead. Ch'en and Hoshiguma remained behind, clearly wanting to discuss LGD coordination in more detail.
I slipped out with the other operators, my mind already processing what I had heard. The catastrophic event was now common knowledge among Rhodes Island's leadership and LGD's command. The focus had shifted from general preparation to specific prevention.
Mephisto and Faust were somewhere in Lungmen, hiding among millions of civilians while preparing biological warfare that would turn the city against itself.
We had forty four days to find them and stop them.
Rhodes Island Facility, My Quarters
I returned to my room as the sun began rising over Lungmen, the city waking to another day of normalcy while completely unaware of the violence being prevented in shadows. The briefing had consumed two hours, and I was supposed to be resting according to Kal'tsit's orders, but sleep felt impossible with the gacha rewards waiting.
Three tickets. Three chances to gain tools that could make the difference between success and catastrophic failure.
I pulled up the system interface, the familiar golden wheel appearing in my vision. The rewards from completing the Shadows in Lungmen mission, earned through weeks of investigation and the final identification of Mephisto's presence.
"Use all three tickets."
The wheel spun, colors blurring together in patterns that suggested mathematical precision underlying apparent randomness. It slowed gradually, the first result crystallizing with golden light.
[Congratulations! You have received: Luminosité Eternelle]
[God is Here With Me. Noble Phantasm of Jeanne d'Arc. Ranked A. Barrier type. Creates a crystalline barrier that can protect a limited area and all allies within it. The protection is absolute against attacks of A rank or below.]
Knowledge flooded into my mind, understanding of the Noble Phantasm's nature and activation requirements. Jeanne d'Arc, the Ruler class Servant whose faith had manifested as defensive miracle. The barrier she could create was among the strongest protections available, capable of shielding entire groups from catastrophic attacks.
This was exactly what we needed for protecting civilians during Reunion's assault. If Mephisto deployed his Possessed, Luminosité Eternelle could create safe zones where people could shelter until the threat was eliminated.
The wheel spun again, the second result appearing with similar golden radiance.
[Congratulations! You have received: Eightfold Blessing of Amaterasu]
[The mirror treasures of Tamamo no Mae. Noble Phantasm ranked B. Multiple utility type. Eight floating mirrors that can be deployed for various effects including barriers, Arts amplification, curse reflection, and enemy debilitation. Can be controlled independently or as coordinated array.]
More knowledge integrated, this time about Tamamo no Mae's signature Noble Phantasm. The Caster Servant whose fox nature manifested through mirror manipulation, creating versatile tools that adapted to countless situations.
The eight mirrors materialized around me experimentally, floating in perfect formation. Each one reflected light in ways that suggested they existed partially outside normal space, their surfaces showing not just physical reflection but deeper truths about reality itself.
I experimented with their controls, finding I could position them independently, create barriers by linking them together, and use them to amplify my own Arts or Noble Phantasm effects. The versatility was incredible, providing tactical options I hadn't possessed before.
The wheel spun a final time, the third result taking longer to materialize as if the system was processing something more complex.
[Congratulations! You have received: Kanshou and Bakuya (Overedge)]
[Wait, you already possess Kanshou and Bakuya. Upgrading to Emiya's specialized version.]
[You have received: Hrunting]
[Hound of the Red Plains. Noble Phantasm used by Archer EMIYA. Ranked B. Anti-Unit type. A cursed sword that twists and turns to pursue its target. Once fired, it will track the enemy relentlessly until impact or destruction.]
The knowledge of Hrunting integrated alongside my existing projection capabilities. This was one of Emiya Shirou's go to Noble Phantasms in his Archer form, a weapon he could project and fire like an arrow that would hunt its target with supernatural persistence.
Combined with my Mystic Eyes, Hrunting would allow me to eliminate targets from extreme range with guaranteed accuracy. The cursed sword would follow death lines I identified, pursuing designated targets until they were destroyed.
I stood in my quarters surrounded by the new tools, processing their capabilities and how they integrated with my existing arsenal.
Luminosité Eternelle for protection, creating safe zones and shielding allies from catastrophic attacks. The Eightfold Blessing for tactical flexibility, adapting to situations through versatile mirror deployment. Hrunting for long range assassination, eliminating priority targets before they could threaten operations.
Each Noble Phantasm addressed specific needs we would face during the coming operations. Defense, utility, precision offense. The gacha system had provided exactly what circumstances required.
I spent the next hour practicing with the new Noble Phantasms, learning their activation sequences and resource costs. Luminosité Eternelle required significant energy to deploy but could be maintained for extended periods once established. The mirrors were relatively cheap individually but expensive when using all eight simultaneously. Hrunting consumed moderate energy per shot but could be projected repeatedly if needed.
By the time I finished basic familiarization, the sun had fully risen and the facility was coming alive with operators preparing for their cleaning operation deployments. I had maybe three hours before my own assignment began, enough time to finalize equipment and review sector information.
I gathered my standard gear, ensuring everything was positioned for rapid access. Tanto at my hip, communicator secured, emergency medical supplies in easily reached pockets. The Noble Phantasms existed in whatever space the system provided, ready to manifest when needed.
A knock at my door interrupted final preparations. I opened it to find Kal'tsit standing there, her expression carrying professional assessment mixed with what might have been concern.
"I noticed you didn't sleep."
Not an accusation, just observation stated as fact.
"Couldn't. Mind was too active after the briefing."
"Understandable given what we're facing. However, you still need rest before deploying."
She pulled out a small container holding pills.
"Mild sedative, non addictive, effective for four hours. Take one now, sleep until eleven hundred hours, then begin your sector assignment. That gives you adequate rest without compromising operational timeline."
I accepted the medication, recognizing that Kal'tsit would simply order me sedated if I refused to do it voluntarily.
"Thank you."
"You've been pushing yourself extremely hard for six weeks. That dedication is admirable but unsustainable. The operations ahead will require you at full capability, not exhausted and operating on willpower alone."
She paused, her clinical demeanor softening almost imperceptibly.
"The Doctor values you highly, both as operator and as ally. I've come to share that assessment despite my initial reservations about your mysterious background. Don't compromise your effectiveness through stubborn refusal to acknowledge human limitations."
"I'll rest. Four hours should be sufficient."
"Good. I'll ensure you're not disturbed until your scheduled deployment."
Kal'tsit left and I took the sedative as instructed, feeling it take effect within minutes. My mind finally quieted, the constant tactical processing fading as medicinal sleep claimed consciousness.
The last thought before sleep took me completely was awareness of the new Noble Phantasms waiting to be deployed, tools that could save thousands of lives if used correctly.
We had forty four days to prevent catastrophe.
The cleaning operations began today.
And I was ready to do whatever was necessary to ensure Mephisto's biological warfare never manifested.